This is what Hull Trains passengers can expect to see when they step on-board one of the operator’s £60m fleet of Hitachi trains later this year.
Earlier this year, an unbranded example of one of the new trains rolled into Hull Paragon Station, giving visitors a glimpse of what was to come.
Now though, images have been released for the first time of one of the new trains – currently at Hitachi’s factory in Pistoia, Italy – fully kitted out in Hull Trains colours.
The first of the five new trains is due to arrive in the 海角视频 during the first week in September and is on track to be rolled into passenger use in October.
Louise Cheeseman, managing director at Hull Trains, recently visited Italy to see the new train up close.
She said: “The visit to Italy really was great. We were able to get on-board the first 802 for the first time and see a full carriage of standard class seats in situ.
“The visit gave us a really good idea of what the trains will look and feel like, the first of the five trains is well on its way to completion and it was great to meet the team who are working on them.
“The team at Hitachi are very excited about working on them because our trains are very different to what have been produced before in terms of the colours and interiors.
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“The quality of work is excellent and they are bang on time which is really important and good news for everyone.”
The building of the trains began in Japan in May 2018, with the shells of all five trains shipped to Italy by March this year.
The first two trains to be completed will be coupled up and brought to the 海角视频 together – with details of the route and exact dates and timings set to be released in the coming weeks.
The five new Class 802 Hitachi trains will replace the entire current fleet of Class 180s and revolutionise travel from Hull to London.
Ms Cheeseman said: “It was quite a nerve-wracking moment to see the interiors for the first time because up until now we’ve only seen swatches of seat material and carpets – it’s a bit like buying a house where you imagine what it will look like and then get to see for the first time it all in place.
“I am so pleased to say everything really does look great, we opted for the superior quality of seat material, with no expense spared. Instead of a flat cloth we chose moquette which is a deeper pile and you can absolutely see the quality.
“To be able to sit in the seats and walk down the aisle of a carriage gave me both an amazing sense of pride and awe. I can’t wait for passengers to experience it.”
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Once the trains arrive in the 海角视频, Hitachi will carry out test runs before driver training takes place and the trains will then be rolled into the timetable one by one.
By December 31, the fifth and final train will have arrived in the 海角视频 and the entire new fleet will be in passenger use.
“It really was a special milestone moment being in Italy to see the physical trains having been working off drawings and plans for so long,” Ms Cheeseman said.
“I’m anticipating we will be the best train operating company in the 海角视频 when the new trains are all in service.
“These trains will revolutionise rail travel between Hull and London and improve reliability across our services.
“The technology involved in the new trains will mean we can continue to run services where overhead wires have been damaged, which has affected services in recent weeks.”
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